Mary could not have children of her own so three years ago, she decided to adopt a baby boy from the local orphanage. Gilbert was adopted when he was seven months old by Mary. He is now three years old.
When Mary adopted Gilbert, she joined the Foster Family Loans Program and after training in small business management and budgeting, she was given her first loan of Kshs. 25,000 [US$230] which she used to start a small grocery shop. It took her one year to pay off her first microloan. The profits she made were small but it was promising and she was encouraged. She decided to ask for another microloan to expand her banana farm. Three years later, her grocery shop’s monthly sales totaled Kshs.30,000 [US$280] with a Kshs. 8,500 [US$81] profit. Last season, she harvested a plentiful crop of bananas. She has planted more bananas this season and is expecting an even better harvest.
Mary is very happy and proud of Gilbert. She has been putting aside regular savings to support a young and fast growing Gilbert with food and clothes and also for schooling which will be starting next year. Mary is grateful for the support she is getting from the Foster Family Loans Program – giving orphans their forever family.
The Foster Family Loans Program has greatly helped Mary and Gilbert, and we hope to help more families like hers. Our special thanks to those who support this project. You are part of bringing bright futures to over 400 orphans who are now in their FOREVER FOSTER FAMILY.
Our Partner
In an instant, Ruth lost her home and her entire family after a lightning struck their house. After overcoming her grief, she planned to adopt a little orphan boy. This is her story.
54 SHARES
Little Joel became an orphan when his mother passed away but was recently adopted by his step grandmother, Nyanchoka. He is four years old and is expected to start school next year. Nyanchoka has been living alone since her husband died. Before Joel came into her home, she spent most of her time at her small tea farm, just waiting for the end of the day, then go home to her lonely house.
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In celebration of International Women's Day (March 8), we recognize Gladys and the many other women just like her who have amazing stories of endurance, empowerment, and hope. With the help of the Foster Family Loan's Program in Kenya, she has grown her small fire-wood business to sell second-hand clothes around the community. This is an important step for her to provide for herself and her new-found family.
39 SHARES
As a toddler, Michael was found abandoned near an orphanage entrance one morning. The workers took him in and gave him food and shelter. Michael stayed there til the age of three. This is when Venice enters his world. Venice and her husband tried for five years to have a child but were not able. They decided to adopt an orphan who needed a family, so they visited the orphanage and that's when they met Michael. They knew right then that Michael was meant to be theirs.
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Jared's mother enjoyed drinking and also gave the brew to her little boy. Often, the villagers would find the mother very drunk and little Jared sleeping in the cold. Jared would often get sick and almost died a few times. Finally, Jared's mother couldn't take care of him any more so she decided to sell Jared to one of her customers. Jared was sold for Kshs. 450 (US$4).
56 SHARES
Kareni's mother passed away when she was 3 years old, leaving her with her aging grandmother who passed away 1 year later. Little Kareni was all alone from 4 years old and was taken to a local orphanage where she remained for several years. During this time, Kareni was able to go to school most days but she dreamed of having her very own family.
7 SHARES
